Here is the one we put in Sande's pond. It is like the first one you described. Very simple to make.

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This is after her husband rearranged the stones.
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This is Jon and Sande building it:
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Anne

IÂve been messing with my waterfall for over a decade. I already have plans to redo it this spring. IÂve learned that splashing water and wet rocks can add up to significant water loss. Also, water will always seek out an alternate route. My pumps move over 3000 gallons per hour, so the volume does increase the potential for water loss.

I replaced a rubber liner stream with a plastic container to prevent the water from changing direction. I also used clear plexiglass to extend the falls so the water enters over the pond at about a foot away from the edge. This reduces water loss from splashing.

I didnÂt build a pond. I built a waterfall with a 1,000 gallon pond to collect the water. The fish, frogs, turtles, and plants are an added bonus. There is nothing more peaceful on a summer night then to listening to the sounds of a falls.

John,

I like the idea of the clear plexiglass to extend the falls. I'm going to be building my stream this spring and may just try that.

Anne

Thanks everyone.
Do you have any pics of your falls John?
Thanks for your pics Anne. It helps me visualize what I need to do.
You're right John.....the sound is wonderful.
Even just the little sound of a small bubbler in the preform outside my bedroom window is wonderful during summer. Add to that the sounds of frogs and katydids, and its perfection! :)

I hate Weirs!!!!!!! I use 90 degree elbows glue to the end of my outflow pipes to create waterfalls. Strategic placing of rocks and I can make the waterfall like a sheet of glass or splashy. But the best part for me is that unlike Weirs I get no leaks. Yipee!

Regards,
Lisa

Anna, run a line of aquarium glue along the side edges of the plexiglass. It will help keep the water flowing forward and not over the sides. Another line of glue on the bottom side of the glass will keep the water from rolling underneath the falls. The under side line of glue should be about an inch from the edge. I also used aquarium glue to attach the plexiglass to a piece of flagstone.

Catherine, the fall is currently under re-construction. I'm increasing the height by a few inches.

Anne....a couple more questions about Sande's pond and waterfall: Is that liner just on flat ground, or did you sculpt the soil in a certain way? Maybe you just lifted up the sides and back of the liner and then concealed it with rocks? Do you know what size pump she has for that little pond?